Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
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Kingston upon Thames
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Kingston upon Thames
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Kingston upon Thames
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Kingston upon Thames
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Kingston upon Thames is a historic market town with excellent shopping, beautiful riverside scenery, and easy access to London and the surrounding areas. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems.
Explore Beyond the Town Centre. With a rental car, you can easily visit nearby attractions such as Hampton Court Palace, Richmond Park, and the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Convenience and Flexibility. A car allows you to travel on your own schedule, without being restricted by public transport timetables. This is especially useful for families or those with specific travel plans.
Shopping Made Easy. Kingston is a major shopping destination, and having a car makes it much easier to transport your purchases, especially if you're buying larger items.
Before renting a car in Kingston upon Thames, be aware of the general requirements and potential extra costs to ensure a smooth rental experience.
Area
Approximately 37.26 square kilometres (14.39 square miles)
Population
Approximately 175,470 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summer time
Ideal for
Day trips and regional exploration
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 7 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Kingston upon Thames require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may have higher age limits for certain vehicle types and may charge extra for drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English or includes non-Roman characters. Always carry your passport or ID.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but it’s wise to consider additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection. A security deposit will be held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy; unlimited mileage is preferable for longer trips. Understand the fuel policy—full-to-full is common, requiring you to return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential charges for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras such as GPS navigation systems or child seats.
Car rental prices in Kingston upon Thames vary depending on the season, car type, and rental duration.
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9 / $12 / €11 per day
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% during the summer months due to higher demand from tourists and holidaymakers.
Low season (November to February): Enjoy discounts and lower prices, especially outside of the Christmas holiday period.
Additional costs can arise from insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers helps to get the best deal.
Renting a car in Kingston upon Thames is easy if you follow these steps to ensure a smooth and cost-effective experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to check prices from different rental companies and find the best deals.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering size, fuel efficiency, and passenger capacity.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement for mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Book your rental car well in advance, especially during peak season, to secure better rates and availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and any other required documents when collecting your rental car.
Kingston upon Thames is a vibrant town located in Greater London, offering a mix of historical charm and modern amenities. Renting a car is useful for exploring the surrounding areas and accessing locations outside of the immediate town centre.
Kingston upon Thames offers various attractions, including the historic marketplace, riverside walks, and excellent shopping facilities. While the town centre is easily navigable on foot or by public transport, a car allows you to explore further afield and discover the scenic beauty of Surrey. Before driving, familiarise yourself with local traffic laws and parking regulations to ensure a hassle-free experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Hampton Court Palace
Explore the magnificent palace of Henry VIII, located just a short drive from Kingston.
Richmond Park
Enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife of this Royal Park, easily accessible by car.
Kingston Market
Visit the historic marketplace in the town centre, offering a range of local produce and crafts.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use the Eden Walk car park or the Bentall Centre car park for secure parking in the town centre.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but can be limited, especially during peak hours.
Park & Ride
Consider using the park-and-ride facilities located outside the town centre for easier access.
Gas Stations in Kingston upon Thames
Convenient Locations
Find petrol stations along the main roads leading into and out of Kingston.
Major Brands
Look for stations from brands like BP, Shell, and Esso.
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps to locate the nearest and most convenient petrol stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Kingston upon Thames
Plan for Traffic
Be aware of traffic congestion, especially during rush hours and weekends.
Use Contactless Payment
Most parking meters and public transport accept contactless payment methods.
Check Local Events
Check for local events that may affect traffic and parking availability.
Allow Extra Time
Give yourself extra time for travel, especially during peak seasons.
Major Bus Stations
Kingston Bus Garage
Located near the town centre, it provides services to surrounding areas and London.
Railway Stations
Kingston Railway Station
Provides frequent services to London Waterloo and other destinations.
Airports
Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Located approximately 12 miles from Kingston, Heathrow is easily accessible by car or public transport.
Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Situated approximately 30 miles from Kingston, Gatwick can be reached via the M23 and A3.
To rent a car in Kingston upon Thames, make sure you have the necessary documents and meet the basic requirements.
Ensure your driver's licence is valid and up-to-date. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for younger drivers.
A credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit and rental payment. Some companies may prefer credit cards.
A passport or other form of identification is required, especially for international renters.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Kingston upon Thames as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Quick stop in Kingston upon Thames during our road trip. The town centre was charming, though the riverside walk was a bit underwhelming. Having a car made getting in and out a breeze.
Deborah Jones
Reviewed: 20.03.2025
Pretty chilled vibe
Sarah Lee
Reviewed: 11.04.2025
Pretty chill place
Chloe Brown
Reviewed: 27.10.2024
Kingston upon Thames was a great base for exploring the coast. Having a car made everything so easy, and the town itself was charming. A perfect relaxing getaway!
Alice Smith
Reviewed: 30.01.2025
Loved exploring Kingston upon Thames! It was my first time, and having a car let me easily reach charming villages and scenic spots nearby. Highly recommend!
Brenda Miller
Reviewed: 15.03.2025
Returning to Kingston after years, it felt smaller than I remembered. Having a car was helpful, though the riverside walk was a bit underwhelming.
Caroline Davis
Reviewed: 10.02.2025
Kingston upon Thames was lovely, though the riverside restaurants were a bit pricey. Exploring with a car was convenient.
Evelyn Garcia
Reviewed: 20.08.2025
Charming Kingston! Getting around with a car was a breeze, and the town itself was delightful.
Eleanor Wilson
Reviewed: 30.12.2024
Such a lovely town! Met up with friends, and having a car made it so easy to get around and explore. We had a wonderful time.
Amelia Harris
Reviewed: 21.10.2024
Pretty laid-back place
Jessica Taylor
Reviewed: 16.08.2025
Relaxing riverside town
Maya Wilson
Reviewed: 17.08.2025
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Meh. Bit underwhelming.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 15.06.2025